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Just one drink, he tells himself. Well, perhaps two.

Two drinks, Ross tells himself, then it's straight home to help put Julia down for bed and eat whatever it is Demelza will have reheated for him upon his return. Things have been somewhat tenser as of late, for reasons Ross isn't entirely clear on, though he attributes it solely to the secrecy surrounding what has kept him away from home. He's been in the habit of going out to resume construction of the house after his work at the stable for months now but within the last few weeks, there's been a subtle shift in the air between him and Demelza.

She's frustrated with him, he knows, but she hasn't said anything. Ross has to commend her for that, really. If anything, he's somewhat surprised she hasn't resorted to simply following him yet.

At least tonight, he can honestly tell her he'd stopped for a brandy because she'll smell it on his breath either way. Somehow, that bit of truth seems better than offering another excuse, even if he does know his intentions are good.

Ross orders a brandy once the bartender comes around, eyes locked on the television screen behind the bar that's airing a game of that bizarre Drembleydrop sport that he doesn't quite understand. As much as he loves his family dearly, he has to admit: it is nice to have a drink alone every now and again. At least in a couple months, when the house is built, he'll be able to offer Demelza the same sort of respite, too.

(no subject)

Today has not gone at all as Ross had planned.

His intention had been to do as he's been doing: eat breakfast with his family, head out for his shift at the stables, work on the house into the evening, then come back to kiss his family goodnight. While that particular pattern hasn't earned Demelza's general approval, Ross has gotten by up until now.

Now, he won't be able to do any of that. Demelza's new job had called her in for an emergency, short-staffed as they apparently are today, and Abby isn't available because she'd already agreed to babysit another family's child for the afternoon. Finding someone to watch a six-month-old and two-year-old at the last minute being as despicably difficult as it is, the duty had been left to Ross, and he'd had no choice but to call to his job to request the day away. His employers had been understanding, of course, particularly seeing as he'd never missed a day before; but Ross is more concerned about the house. It may be just an evening's work but any delay causes him more frustration than he needs.

Even more frustrating is Demelza handing him a list of things they need around the apartment: bread, milk, various fruits and vegetables, diapers, all manners of items Abby usually goes out to buy for them while they're out at work. It's not an immensely difficult task, granted, but Ross still sighs his dismay as he dresses Jeremy and Julia in suitably warm children, settles them in their stroller, then heads for market just a couple blocks away.

The farther they walk, the more Ross relaxes as Jeremy smiles up at him and Julia points out various sights and names them as they go along. This may not be his ideal day, but he's glad for the extra time with the children. No matter the circumstances, they will never come close to being a burden to him.